Psychiatry Residents

Jessica Auclair, DO, MS (she/her)
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

I grew up in Falls Church, VA. I completed my undergraduate degree in Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise (with a minor in psychology) at Virginia Tech in 2018 after which I took a few gap years to complete a Masters in Anatomical Science at Lincoln Memorial University in TN. I completed her DO degree at UNECOM. During my free time, I like to bake, snuggle my pets, and work out.

If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be and what would you talk about? Samwise Gamgee - we would talk about cooking recipes, gardening, and how to find the strength and courage to keep going even in the darkest of times.

What is your favorite thing to do on a relaxing Sunday at home? Getting into some comfy clothes, snuggling on the couch with my cats and dog, drinking some tea and watching a feel-good movie.

What brought you to Baystate? The welcoming and positive vibes from the PSYCH residents, attendings, and office administrations.

Helen Mizrach, MD (she/her)
University of Massachusetts Medical School

I’m originally from New Jersey and moved to Massachusetts in 2015 to attend Tufts University, where I graduated with a degree in Biopsychology. After college, I took two gap years and worked as a clinical research coordinator at the Health Promotion and Resiliency Intervention Research Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, primarily conducting psycho-oncology research. For medical school, I attended UMass Chan Medical School, where I was part of the Population-based Urban & Rural Community Health (PURCH) track. In my free time, I love to hike, run, go thrifting, and travel!

What’s your go-to comfort TV show or movie? Seinfeld

Favorite way to spend a weekend in Western Mass? Exploring the many hiking trails, waterfalls, swimming holes, and cute small towns in the area.

What brought you to Baystate? Rotated at Baystate as a PURCH student and loved the warm, welcoming community.

Virginia Ramirez, MD (she/her)
University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine

Virginia grew up in Miami, FL. She completed her undergraduate degree in Biology at Florida International University. After a gap year during which she worked as a medical scribe, she completed her MD degree at Robert Larner, M.D., College of Medicine at the University of Vermont. During her free time, she likes to do baking, game nights and writing.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received? “Failure is a teacher”

If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be and what would you talk about? An afternoon at Uncle Iroh's tea shop in Ba Sing Se absorbing all his wisdom and teachings

What brought you to Baystate? The Northeast, the outdoors, the academic/community hybrid, and the small and close-knit community

Jeremy Kurtz, DO (he/him)
Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Lebanon Campus

Jeremy grew up in Bonney Lake, WA. He completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology (with a minor in Chemistry) at University of Washington. He went on to complete his DO degree at Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. In his spare time, he likes to go rock climbing, skiing and play guitar.

What is your favorite thing to do on a relaxing Sunday at home? Gym + Read + Watch YouTube + play Mario kart.

What’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to try but never did? Outdoor lead climbing

What brought you to Baystate? Did a rotation here and loved the program/people associated. Thought I would be a good fit.

Humza Ali, DO (he/him)

My family is from Pakistan, I was born and raised in Connecticut. More specifically, I grew up in the great town (practically a city) of Manchester, located 15 minutes outside of Hartford and known in the 1800s for its exceptional silk mills. In 2018, I graduated from Boston College with a degree in biology. I then took a gap year to complete a post baccalaureate program at Central CT State University while working as a graduate assistant in the African American Studies and Philosophy departments, in addition to being an Islamic Sunday School Teacher. Afterwards, I headed up to Maine to attend UNECOM, where I completed my DO. My interests in psychiatry include psychopharmacology, treatment resistant pathologies, neuromodulation, and ketamine and psychedelic assisted psychotherapy. In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with my son/cat named Beni, occasionally dabbling in BJJ, going on walks, and being a silly goose (It's one of the mature defense mechanisms.)

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received? “The universe is on your side. It wants you to succeed. Once you commit, the universe takes care of you.”

If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be and what would you talk about? Dominic Toretto - Family.

What brought you to Baystate? The culture, comradery, learning environment, location.

Kayley Siemiatkoski, MD (she/her)

Kayley is a Connecticut native who completed her MD at UConn School of Medicine after receiving her bachelor’s degree in Pathobiology from the University of Connecticut. Kayley’s early interest in patient care led her to become a certified nursing assistant in high school. She continued working as a patient care assistant through to her third-year medical school, during which she worked per-diem as a nursing technician in an emergency department. Kayley also became an EMT prior to medical school and volunteered at her local ambulance service while pursuing her medical education. In medical school, she also volunteered with the Crisis Text Line, was a Student Advisory Board Member for the Psychiatry Interest Group, and was a mentor for undergraduate Latino students through the Latino Medical Student Association. During her studies, she also performed a quality improvement project for the National Child Traumatic Stress Network’s webinar series on Developmental Trauma Disorders. Kayley enjoys painting, puzzles, hiking, and spending summers camping in Vermont. Kayley looks forward to a career in child & adolescent psychiatry, with specific interests regarding childhood trauma and substance use.

What’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to try but never did? Archery

If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be and why? A wildlife photographer - because why wouldn't I want to spend time appreciating the beauty of nature?

What brought you to Baystate? I was most intrigued about the rotation at the Child Partial Hospitalization Program in PGY-2. During medical school, I had heard about and recommended for patients to follow-up their inpatient stays with PHPs and IOPs, however did not have the opportunity to see what these programs entailed. I wanted to gain more understanding of these programs, especially in the realm of child & adolescent psychiatry, which I plan on pursuing a fellowship for.

Jewel Smith, DO (she/her)

Jewel was born and raised in NJ. She completed her undergraduate studies in Biology at Immaculata College and an MS in Biomedical Sciences at Geisinger School of Medicine. Prior to medical school, Jewel worked as a Direct Care Professional for adults with developmental disabilities and psychiatric disorders, becoming an Associate Program Director for a group home for these individuals. Jewel completed her medical studies at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine – New York. Jewel is also a Second Lieutenant in the US Air Force. She’s passionate about Black mental health and committed to compassionate care and continuous learning. Outside work, she enjoys running, going to church, and spending time with her cats, Tiwa and Tamir.

What do you do to unwind after a long shift? Stretch, go for a long run, or watch reality TV.

What’s your dream vacation destination? An African safari — to experience the wildlife, culture, and food.

What brought you to Baystate? Baystate’s strong community focus and supportive environment really stood out to me.

Peter Wilson-Braun, DO (he/him)

Peter was born and raised in Massachusetts. He completed his undergraduate degrees at UMass-Amherst with degrees in Kinesiology and Psychology. At UMass, he earned a Certificate in Civic Engagement and Public Service through participation in the Literacy Project, teaching neurodiverse and non-English speaking adults. After graduation, he worked as a research assistant at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and as a clinical research coordinator doing neuroimaging at the MGH/Brigham medical centers. He later completed his DO at UNECOM. Peter is a lifelong athlete who enjoys bicycling and power lifting.

If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be and why? Alex Hummel, I want to know what it feels like to free solo, then never do it again.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received? “If you're doing most of the talking, something is going wrong.”

What brought you to Baystate? Location and culture.

Anya Brych, MD (she/her)
University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Anya grew up in Connecticut and graduated summa cum laude in Biological Sciences from UConn. She completed her degree in medicine at joins us from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Anya has been involved in the Psych SIG, Ukrainian relief efforts, student research on suicidality in adolescents experiencing domestic violence, and enhancing medical education through an examination of social determinants of health. Anya enjoys Ukrainian cross-stitching, listening to podcasts, vegan cooking and baking, and dancing. As a resident at Baystate, she has been actively involved in organizing social events for her colleagues, managing the official psychiatry residency Instagram and leading a quality improvement project focusing on improving sign out on the inpatient unit.

What is your favorite thing to do on a relaxing Sunday at home? Drive around windows down with a to-go coffee listening to music.

What’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to try but never did? Silversmith.

Alexis Dame, DO
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

Alexis grew up in Massachusetts and graduated from the College of the Holy Cross magna cum laude in Chemistry. She completed her medical training at UNECOM where she received the honor of being selected to be an OMM Teaching fellow. She enjoys reading and writing fantasy fiction, going to Disney, snuggling her cat, watching documentaries, and building and decorating homes. As a resident, Alexis has been an active member of the GME Resident/Fellow Council, and has been selected to be the resident representative on the Hospital Quality Council.

If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be and why? Taylor Swift - I think it'd be fun to be in her shoes, performing, writing music etc.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received? “Follow your curiosity.”

What brought you to Baystate? Dr. Fischel (prior program director and current core .faculty member)- he reminded me of a mentor I worked with in 3rd and 4th year of med school.

Arjun Mann, DO
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

Arjun was born and raised in Fresno, CA. He received his BA in Philosophy from Cal State and an MS in Bioethics from Columbia University. He has served as Legislative Committee Chair for the Medical Student Section of the Maine Medical Association, and was a member of the Health Policy Club at UNECOM . He has done student research on ketamine for treatment resistant depression, MDMA for PTSD, risk factors contributing to AMA discharges, and catatonia. To relax, Arjun enjoys film photography, pottery, and hiking.

What’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to try but never did? Theater/acting

If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be and what would you talk about? Paul from DUNE. I’d probably tell him to calm down.

What brought you to Baystate? The good vibes, friendly people.

Paige Mastalerz, MD
UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate PURCH

Paige is a Massachusetts native who studied Biochemistry/Biophysics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Paige has completed a summer internship at Phoenix House Adult Residential Program and was co-leader for a substance use disorder enrichment program at UMass Chan. She graduated from the UMass Chan Medical School – Baystate PURCH program. Paige enjoys dogs, reading, video games, and English premier league football. As a resident, Paige was nominated by the UMass Chan Medical School Class of 2025 to receive an Outstanding House Staff Award

What is your favorite thing to do on a relaxing Sunday at home? Play farming games

If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be and why? RuPaul - legend, icon, funny, great house, and I want to judge a talent show!

What brought you to Baystate? The amazing PGY2s I worked with as a medical student.

Daniel Drimer-Batca, DO (he/him)
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

Dani was born in Bucharest, Romania and calls East Lansing Michigan and Portland Maine hometowns. Daniel competed his undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan in Philosophy, and an MS in Medical Science at Boston University. During this time, he also taught 4th-8th graders at the Solomon Schechter Day School in Newton MA. He co-founded and was President of the Medical Humanities Club at UNECOM and organized a Wellness in Medical School Art Exhibit. He completed his DO at UNECOM. Dani enjoys playing strategy board games, backpacking, winter camping, and playing guitar. As a resident, Dani was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society in 2023, and honored with the Resident/Fellow Award for Excellence in Medical Student Education by UMass Chan Medical School in 2024. Dani is currently the Administrative and Outpatient Chief.

What’s your go-to comfort TV show or movie? Lord of the Rings; rewatching the trilogy is a yearly tradition.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received? “Have one brilliant moment a day.”

What brought you to Baystate? Needed to be close to Boston for my partner. Really enjoyed my MS-4 rotation here.

Alice Peng, MD
Robert Larner MD College of Medicine, University of Vermont

Alice is a native of Burlington, VT. She completed her BS in Biological Science and MS in Pharmacology at University of Vermont. She is a graduate of the Robert Larner MD College of Medicine at the University of Vermont. Alice was an Albert Schweitzer Fellow, and has worked as research coordinator, licensed nursing assistant, respite provider for State of VT Dept of Disabilities. She describes herself as a fragrance and skincare enthusiast, enjoys Asian dramas, is an Elite Yelper, foodie, recreational tennis player, and enjoys traveling and journaling. Alice is currently the Education and Wellness Chief.

If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be and what would you talk about? Dumbledore and talk about anything.

What is your favorite thing to do on a relaxing Sunday at home? Make a matcha latte with bamboo whisk or a loose leaf tea and trying new fragrances.

What brought you to Baystate? Dr. Fischel (prior program director and current core faculty member), working with the disadvantaged population, child training during residency, and location.

Brianna Rowan, MD
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

Brianna is originally from Brooklyn, NY. As an undergraduate, she majored in biology with a minor in psychology at the University of Albany where she was also an EMT. She earned her MS in Mental Health Counseling from the College at Old Westbury NY and then worked for 4 years as a shelter and rehab counselor as well as a search engine evaluator before completing post baccalaureate courses at the University of Buffalo. She received her medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. During medical school, Brianna developed and taught a curriculum for under-represented minority students in the Science and Technology Entry Program, served as SNMA historian, was student representative to the Wellness and Resilience Committee, and worked with Deaf culture patients. Brianna enjoys writing poetry and traveling. As a resident, she has been actively involved in medical student education. She is currently the Administrative and Inpatient Chief.

If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be and why? Trevor Noah - funny, personable, fluent in multiple languages, interviews everyone.

What’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to try but never did? Sewing/knitting.

What brought you to Baystate? Good vibes from the residents.

Andrew Baccari, MD
Post-Graduate Position: Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, MA as an attending psychiatrist

Thomas Oram, DO
Post-Graduate Position: Fast-tracked into Baystate Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program, Baystate Medical Center

Sanjana Kumar, MD
Post-Graduate Position: Fast-tracked – Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program at Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, MA

Maria Sarmiento, MD
Post-Graduate Position: Pursuing a Women’s Mental Health Fellowship at New York University Langone, New York, NY

Jennifer Sharma, DO
Post-Graduate Position: Baystate Medical Center as an attending psychiatrist on the Adult Psychiatry Treatment Unit

Suzanne Valcheva, MD
Post-Graduate Position: Atrius Health Psychiatry, Quincy MA, as an attending psychiatrist

Joseph Jabaily, DO
Post-Graduate Position: Fast-Tracked into Baystate Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program, Baystate Medical Center

Michael O’Sullivan, DO
Post-Graduate Position: Fast-Tracked into Baystate Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program, Baystate Medical Center

Alyssa Kahn, MD
Post-Graduate Position: Mount Sinai Transgender Psychiatry Fellowship, New York City, NY

Pooja Sarkar, DO
Post-Graduate Position: Boston Medical Center Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship, Boston, MA

Andrew Vetter, DO
Post-Graduate Position: Togus VA Medical Center, Staff Psychiatrist, Augusta, ME

Rebecca Wetzel, MD
Post-Graduate Position: Boston Children’s Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship, Boston, MA

Santiago Castro, DO
Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Post-Graduate Position: Staff Psychiatrist, Middlesex Hospital, Middletown, CT

Philip Close-Barber, DO
Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Post-Graduate Position: Staff Psychiatrist, Center for Counseling and Psychological Health, University of Massachusetts–Amherst, Amherst, MA

Hossain Khan, DO
Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Post-Graduate Position: Medical Director, Emergency Psychiatry Service, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA

Ram Lakhani, DO
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Post-Graduate Position: Staff Psychiatrist, Central Western Massachusetts Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, Leeds, MA

Feier Liu, DO
Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Post-Graduate Position: Fellow, Consult Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon

Ianna Hondros-McCarthy, DO
Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Post-Graduate Position: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship, UMMS-Baystate, Springfield, MA

Jamison Bradshaw, DO
Medical School: Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Post-Graduate Position: Staff Psychiatrist, Adult Psychiatry Inpatient Unit, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA

Shannon Mazur, DO
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Post-Graduate Position: Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT

Gursharon Nijjar, MD
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Post-Graduate Position: Staff Psychiatrist, Bestself Behavioral Health, Buffalo, NY

Sajel Shah, MD
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Post-Graduate Position: Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA

Kerry Sheahan, DO
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Post-Graduate Position: Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA

Deepika Sundararaj, MD
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Post-Graduate Position: Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship, Brigham & Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA

Our monthly Resident Wellness Seminars are a resident-directed series designed to prioritize well-being and foster community. Each session is created and led by residents, allowing the group to focus on topics most meaningful to them—ranging from stress management and work-life balance to creative expression and peer support. These seminars provide protected time for connection, reflection, and shared strategies to maintain resilience throughout training.

We have a strong program that is designed to provide residents with guidance, support, and professional development throughout their training. From the first year, each resident is paired with a faculty mentor who offers longitudinal support in clinical growth, career planning, and personal development. Beyond these formal assignments, residents are encouraged to seek out additional mentor-mentee relationships with faculty whose expertise aligns with their interests. Equally important is our strong culture of peer mentorship, where upper-level residents support and guide junior trainees, fostering collaboration and community across all training levels. Together, these layers of mentorship ensure that residents are never navigating their journey alone and always have access to trusted advisors and peers.

Twice a year, our residents step away from clinical duties to participate in a bi-annual Resident Retreat, co-organized by residents and program leadership. These retreats are dedicated to building camaraderie, strengthening teamwork, and fostering open dialogue about the residency experience. In addition to workshops and reflective sessions, retreats often include social activities such as outdoor excursions, creative projects, or wellness-focused events—giving residents a chance to recharge and enjoy time together outside of the hospital. The result is a tradition that reinforces our program’s close-knit, supportive culture while also celebrating the importance of balance and community.